Recent dramatic footage of a black bear rummaging through a family’s home is more than just another viral TikTok — it’s a stark reminder that shrinking wildlife habitats are fueling increasingly dangerous encounters between people and wild animals.
What’s happening?
In the viral video that has reached over 4 million views, a black bear wanders through the kitchen and living room of a home as a startled family looks on. While the family films the encounter, the bear rises onto its hind legs and rummages through an open refrigerator, standing nearly as tall as the appliance itself.
From behind the camera, the family shouts in an effort to scare the animal away. Though the bear seems unfazed, it can be seen climbing onto counters and pawing at windows in an attempt to leave the cabin. Eventually, the wild bear manages to open a nearby door into the garage, which someone in the video says is open to the outside at the moment, before the video cuts.
Why is this close encounter concerning?
This alarming encounter is part of a growing trend of dangerous human-animal interactions, often linked to environmental stressors. As land development expands into forests and shrinking habitats, black bears and other wildlife are more likely to venture into neighborhoods, cabins, and even kitchens in search of food.
Changing temperature patterns only add to the problem of shifting food availability, pushing animals — and their prey — closer to human spaces than ever before.
While such run-ins may feel like eye-popping viral moments, they are reminders of how climate shifts and human development are reshaping animal behavior — and how thin the line has become between wild habitats and our own backyards.
“These kinds of videos make me sad,” one commenter wrote in response to the video. “It just goes to show that humans have encroached so much on the habitats of animals that they have nowhere else to go. Such encounters are going to become more common. As much as we think that they are invading our homes and our lives, we have invaded and destroyed theirs.”
What’s being done about close encounters with wild bears?
Bears breaking into homes or cabins isn’t unheard of, but it is extremely rare. Still, there are general practices for limiting the likelihood of human-bear interactions — both indoors and outdoors.
Experts say black bears are often attracted to residential areas by the scent of food. With that in mind, officials recommend bear-proofing garbage bins, securing food, and keeping pet food, bird seed, and grills indoors. If you live in bear country, it’s best practice to lock doors and windows to prevent any unwelcomed visitors. If you see a black bear on your property, report sightings quickly to wildlife officials.
Once aware of a bear sighting, authorities often use aversive conditioning techniques — like loud noises, rubber bullets, or trained K9 units — to scare bears away from populated areas. But if a bear repeatedly enters homes and becomes a public danger, wildlife managers may have to relocate or euthanize it, which is why prevention is critical.
If you ever find yourself in close quarters with a black bear, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recommends keeping at least 100 yards away, which is about the length of a football field. You should also never feed bears — especially if the animal is on your property. This could encourage them to return to look for more food.
If a bear ever enters your home, experts recommend giving it a clear escape route. Do not corner the animal or close it in a room. Exit the house without closing the door behind you, providing a means of exit. Then, contact local police or wildlife officials. A car can provide a safe area to wait for authorities — or for the bear to leave.
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don’t miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.